Kwanzaa

Invented by Cal State Long Beach professor Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa is a uniquely African American holiday that begins on Dec. 26 and ends on January 1. Its purpose is to celebrate family, community, and culture.

It is formualted around seven principals: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith). According to Africana.com, "Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the principles and is organized around activities and discussion to emphasize that principle."